Research articleGolf Cart–Related Injuries in the U.S
Introduction
Golf cart–related injuries in the U.S. have increased dramatically over the past several years.1 While no data currently exist to track usage and exposure rates, it is likely that this increase is the result of a combination of factors—the carts' increased power and versatility, their rising popularity, and a lack of regulation. Over time, golf carts have become much faster and more powerful; newer models travel at speeds up to 25 mph, and have battery lives that last in excess of 40 miles.2, 3 As the capability of golf carts increases, so does their potential number of uses. In addition to their traditional role on the golf course, golf carts are now routinely used for transportation purposes at sporting events, hospitals, airports, national parks, college campuses, businesses, prisons, and military bases. In many gated and retirement communities, golf carts have become the primary means of transportation. In some states, golf carts may be operated legally on public roadways and on some portions of the highway.3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Most golf carts are not subject to federal regulation, and state and local regulations for golf carts vary widely by region.3, 8
Previous studies on golf cart injuries have focused on a small geographic region or on a relatively small patient base (<150 patients).1, 9, 10 These studies have shown that golf cart–related injury is an important cause of serious and fatal injury among both adults and children.1, 9, 10 Falls from golf carts and cart overturns are leading causes of golf cart injury.11 Many injuries are due to insufficient safety features, such as the lack of seat belts and front-wheel brakes.11, 12 Children are particularly at risk for golf cart injury.1, 9 Children aged <16 years are permitted by law to operate golf carts on private property.3 Infants and young children are allowed to ride in carts that do not have seat belts, doors, or any means of child restraint.3, 8
The objective of this research was to determine the trends and patterns of golf cart–related injuries to patients treated in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2006. To our knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively examine golf cart–related injuries in the U.S. using a nationally representative sample.
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Methods
Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which is operated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The NEISS dataset provides information on consumer product–related and sports and recreation–related injuries treated in U.S. EDs. The NEISS receives data from a network of approximately 100 hospitals, representing a stratified probability sample of 6100 hospitals in the U.S. and its territories, each with at least six beds and a 24-hour ED.
Results
From 1990 through 2006, an estimated 147,696 people (95% CI=144,404; 150,987) were treated in U.S. EDs for golf cart–related injuries. Patients were aged 2 months to 96 years. The mean age was 33.6 years, and the median age was 28 years. Injuries to children (aged <16 years) constituted 31.2% of the cases. Injuries to male drivers/passengers predominated (63.1%; Table 1). The number of golf cart–related injuries increased steadily and significantly over the study period (p<0.001; Figure 1);
Discussion
This study is the first to examine golf cart–related injuries in the U.S. using a nationally representative sample. The few studies to date advocate increased safety measures because of the serious and growing nature of this problem.1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17 As golf cart use migrates off the golf course into more nontraditional settings and onto public roads, it is likely that the number of golf cart–related injuries will continue to rise.
Almost half (47.2%) of golf cart–related injuries were due to
Conclusion
Given the large increase in golf cart–related injuries over the study period (>130%), greater efforts are needed to prevent these injuries, especially among children.
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